2.9 opinions, or better yet, truths?

[chrismaulesdangerranger]

Every gripe I hear is about cracking heads, which is not an engine problem anymore than a lack of upkeep on the owners part. Run the 4.0L with with no oil and then complain that they tend to lock up.

I get great mileage with my 2.9 for a 4WD truck.

agreed!! as long as the coolant is changed and you dont let it overheat (and other preventative maintenence is taken care of) it should run for a very long time!!

 

[jhammel85]

145K on my 2.9 here. Leaks a little bit of oil from the valve covers but the oil after 3000 miles still looks clean. Not too much ticking going on either.

All of my issues are electrical and really doesn't have anything to do with the 2.9. Its a stout little motor that gets decent mileage and has as much power as you can get out of it.

Heavy truck + 140HP V6 = Goes slow, goes anyware...You know, like a tank!


Overall awesome engine thats easy as pie to work on

 

[RustedRanger]

My 87 2.9 just passed 160K mi a couple of weeks ago. It was bought new by a guy who gave it to his daughter and son-in-law. I don't know any history other than that but from just looking at the motor I think it has been pulled and rebuilt or the heads replaced at one time or another. It has the lifter tick but when I changed the valve cover gaskets the heads had no sludge at all on top. I believe the first owner took real good care of it and then the daughter/son-in-law just drove it. I have had it since March 09 and it seems the oil stays cleaner each time I change it.